The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has cautioned that Ghana is grappling with a systemic food safety crisis, pointing to widespread contamination across the nation’s food production and distribution chain. Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday, 27 July, the Association’s General Secretary, Dr. Richard Selormey, stressed that food safety concerns span from farms to dining tables and demand urgent national attention.
He referenced studies showing that nearly 80% of sachet water sampled in Ghana contained bacteria, while food products sold in major markets were found to carry hazardous levels of pesticides and other contaminants. Dr. Selormey identified illegal mining, excessive pesticide use, adulterated palm oil, poor food handling, and unsafe storage practices as key factors exposing consumers to serious health risks.
He noted that vegetables sold in Accra markets often contain toxic pesticide residues, while chemicals such as Sudan dyes continue to be detected in palm oil. The GMA also raised alarm over reports that formalin—a chemical used to preserve corpses—is being illegally applied to preserve fish.
“And so, indeed… from the farms, the use of pesticides, all the way to the table, the issue is widespread,” he said. Dr Selormey called for stronger enforcement of food safety regulations, greater public education and incentives to encourage businesses to adopt environmentally friendly packaging.
Source: Winifred Lartey
